Aatiya Ahmad, MD

Aatiya Ahmad, MD

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska


Education

Undergraduate: University of Nebraska at Kearney
Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the people I interviewed with. I was struck by the commitment of the program’s leadership to research and mentorship. I was confident that I would have the opportunity to become the best physician that I could be at this program.


Hiba Alwatik, DO

Hiba Alwatik, DO

Hometown: Worth, Illinois

Education

Undergraduate: Saint Xavier University
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for the family-like environment and their dedication to patient care. I felt that I really connected with the program’s leadership during my interview and saw their excitement to start this new program. I saw myself thriving here and I knew this was the program for me!


Victor Bell, MD

Victor Bell, MD

Hometown: Compton, California


Education

Undergraduate: California State University
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: BayCare is an exciting opportunity for me to surround myself around others who prioritize creating an environment of learning, understanding, and professional development and growth. I’m very enthusiastic to be on this journey!


Carlos Fagundo, DO

Carlos Fagundo, DO

Hometown: Miami, Florida


Education

Undergraduate: Florida International University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the people I met. It was. When I met the faculty and staff, it was evident that this program wants to make compassionate physicians. Importantly, I genuinely care for the communities in Florida and plan to serve them in my future practice.


Nicole Fontanet Gomez, MD

Nicole Fontanet Gomez, MD

Hometown: Dorado, Puerto Rico


Education

Undergraduate: Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Rio Piedras
Medical School: Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Why did you choose BayCare: Choosing BayCare was a natural decision for me. The program's celebration of diversity, commitment to innovation, and, above all, its dedication to compassionate patient care resonated deeply with my values and aspirations.


Yesenia Gonzalez, MD

Yesenia Gonzalez, MD

Hometown: Miami, Florida 


Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of how much I enjoyed my interview. The conversations felt very natural and they cared about who I was as a person. I could tell that I would have all the support I would need. As a USF alumni, I really wanted to stay in Florida.


Eugenio Grand Barrios, MD

Eugenio Grand Barrios, MD

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela


Education

Undergraduate: Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda
Medical School: Universidad Nacional Experimental Francisco de Miranda Programa de Medicina
Why did you choose BayCare: Choosing BayCare was the best decision of my life. Their philosophy, vision, and commitment to helping others perfectly align with my own values. From the start, I knew I had found a place that truly reflects what I believe in and stand for.


Brett Harris, MD

Brett Harris, MD

Hometown: Akron, Ohio


Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: BayCare being a community hospital system gives me an opportunity to serve the place I have called home. I am also invested in the mission of bringing high quality care to the community. As an inaugural member of the Internal Medicine program, I look forward to paving the way.


Adriana Hernandez, MD

Adriana Hernandez, MD

Hometown: Miami, Florida 


Education

Undergraduate: Florida International University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because, during my interview, it was evident that program leadership was dedicated to building a supportive program for residents to get the best training. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the inaugural class and look forward to growing with the program.


Ali Hussaini, DO

Ali Hussaini, DO

Hometown: Lombard, Illinois


Education

Undergraduate: Illinois Institute of Technology
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for a variety of reasons but ultimately it came down to location. I really enjoy working with such a diverse patient population and living in sunny Florida!


Taariq Imami, DO

Taariq Imami, DO

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida


Education

Undergraduate: University of Florida
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for many reasons, but it came down to the leadership in the program. I could see this program was built with residents and patients in mind. I also am happy to have chosen a program close to home to give back to my community.


Nabeel Karim, DO

Nabeel Karim, DO

Hometown: Los Angeles, California


Education

Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it offers the chance to align with a mission-driven organization known for high-quality care and modern facilities. It provides opportunities for collaboration, community impact, and education.


Antoine Khoudari, MD

Antoine Khoudari, MD

Hometown: Syria


Education

Undergraduate: University of Aleppo
Medical School: University of Aleppo Faculty of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare for a variety of reasons. The advanced health care services the hospital provides, along with its modern approach to teaching medicine and the opportunity to work closely with great doctors, were all factors. Additionally, being in Tampa, a fantastic place to live with great weather and plenty of attractions, made it an easy choice.


Reyleen Loreto, MD

Reyleen Loreto, MD

Hometown: The Philippines

Education


Undergraduate: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 
Medical School: Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it is a beacon of health care excellence, embodying core values of trust, respect and dignity. With a steadfast commitment to treating patients and employees with utmost respect, BayCare fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Through its unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care and the now, education of medical residents, I have no doubt that I will learn and achieve the excellent training I am looking for and at the same time embody its values and commitment to exceptional health care.


Majid Paracha, MD

Majid Paracha, MD

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri


Education

Undergraduate: Purdue University
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: During my interview, I could sense Dr. Bazo's excitement about starting a new program and how much they cared about having the right people for their inaugural class. When I visited BayCare, I felt right at home and could see myself living, learning, and training here for the next three years.


Mansi Patel, DO

Mansi Patel, DO

Hometown: Orlando, Florida


Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the people. During my interview, I knew I would be training with doctors who were compassionate about teaching and who would cultivate a positive learning environment for me to thrive in.


Grace Ramirez, MD

Grace Ramirez, MD

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia

Education


Undergraduate: Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud
Medical School: Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS) Facultad de Medicina Colombia  
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Joining the inaugural class filled me with pride, as it offered a chance to contribute to the program's growth and future direction. The program embodies diversity, boasting a substantial Hispanic patient population where my fluency in Spanish would be valued, and BayCare’s dedication to clinical excellence assured me of a fulfilling and promising trajectory during residency. Also, Tampa felt like the ideal city for me to practice post-residency. Above all, my interview experience with both the PD and program coordinator left a lasting impression, as they received me with great enthusiasm, thoroughly reviewed my application, and solidified my connection with the program.


Irelis Roman Mercado, MD

Irelis Roman Mercado, MD

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico


Education

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences  
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because it was clear that faculty genuinely care for the well-being and professional growth of their residents, providing the guidance and support needed to achieve our goals. I felt confident that this program offers everything I need to succeed, along with the added perk of warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches nearby!


Junaid Saleh-Esa, DO

Junaid Saleh-Esa, DO

Hometown: Queens, New York


Education

Undergraduate: Stony Brook University
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine  
Why did you choose BayCare: My decision was sealed the moment I stepped into St. Joseph's Hospital after my interview. The warmth and camaraderie I felt during the tour were unparalleled. The faculty didn't just welcome me, they made me feel part of an expansive family! Moreover, the overwhelming endorsement of St. Joseph's Hospital from patients I encountered during my clinical rotations solidified my decision. Their trust and recommendations spoke volumes about the hospital's impact on its community. For me, it's not just about joining BayCare; it's about striving to excel amongst the finest.


Rutva Shah, MD

Rutva Shah, MD

Hometown: Barlett, Indiana


Education

Undergraduate: Purdue University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: Having lived in Tampa, I realized how deeply integrated BayCare is within the community. I chose BayCare because of how warm and welcoming the program leadership is and also because of how dedicated BayCare is to providing the best care possible to the community. It is such a blessing to be returning to Tampa for residency!


Adam Shehub, DO

Adam Shehub, DO

Hometown: Tampa, Florida


Education

Undergraduate: University of South Florida
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine  
Why did you choose BayCare: The amazing people involved in BayCare truly care about creating a spectacular residency program that will provide caring and competent doctors to Tampa. I wanted the opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to me.


Shivani Thoutireddy, DO

Shivani Thoutireddy, DO

Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia


Education

Undergraduate: University of Georgia
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: I chose BayCare because of the location and pleasant experience on my interview day. I was excited to build into a newer program that evoked passion and commitment and felt that this program would give me the opportunity to grow into a confident and competent physician. I knew that I would have the chance to build close relationships with my co-residents and attendings and be able to create a great training atmosphere for the next three years! Overall, I'm thrilled to be starting my residency training with BayCare!


Yasaswi Vengalasetti, MD

Yasaswi Vengalasetti, MD

Hometown: South Pasadena, California

Education


Undergraduate: University of California - Davis
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine  
Why did you choose BayCare: I came to BayCare because of the opportunity to help build a program from the start, especially at a large well-reputed program like BayCare in an increasingly important city like Tampa, FL. There are so many unique opportunities and new programs to build and be involved with.


Brianna Wolkov, DO

Brianna Wolkov, DO

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio


Education

Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Why did you choose BayCare: As a Tampa Bay native, I was already familiar with St. Joseph's and their reputation. When I found out they were starting an internal medicine residency and I could be a part of their inaugural class, I felt pulled to come back home and serve my community.


Catherine Xu, DO

Catherine Xu, DO

Hometown: Edison, New Jersey


Education

Undergraduate: Nova Southeastern University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose BayCare: It was BayCare's commitment to compassionate and patient-centered care that stood out to me. This approach not only benefits patients but also enriches the learning experience for residents, teaching the importance of empathy and communication. I was confident that this program would deliver a well-rounded education, preparing its residents to become not just skilled, but also compassionate physicians.

Preliminary Internal Medicine (Class of 2027)


Head shot of Ronald Harris, MD

Ronald Harris, MD


Education

Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine


Head shot of Ricardo Henri, MD

Ricardo Henri, MD

 

Education

Medical School: Université Quisqueya Faculté des Sciences de la Santé


Manisha Chavan, MD

 

Education

Medical School: Kakatiya Medical College